Who says all the good coffee is in Jakarta? This little shop in Balikpapan humbled me.
qponx
2026-03-05
Think all the best coffee is in Jakarta? This small, unassuming roadside shop in Balikpapan might change your mind. It’s a hidden gem serving seriously good, non-sugary coffee with owner-roasted beans. Try the expertly made V60 or the signature Kopi Susu Singkawang. At night, the place transforms into a buzzing social hub, perfect for experiencing authentic Indonesian "Nongkrong" culture and making new friends over a fantastic cup.
After drinking so much specialty coffee in Jakarta, to be honest, I was getting a bit jaded. I never expected that on this business trip to Balikpapan, I'd get schooled by a small roadside spot, it was truly anjay! 🤯
The shop isn't big, but at night, it's absolutely buzzing with people, I almost thought I'd walked into some popular livehouse. The entrance was packed with motorcycles, and the air was filled with the aroma of coffee and the laughter of young people. This is what Indonesia is supposed to be like.
True Coffee, Not Sugary Water
Now for the main event: their coffee. This is definitely made for "true coffee lovers"[1], not that sickeningly sweet sugar water type of drink. The owner roasts the beans himself, and he can clearly present the distinct flavors from various Indonesian regions.
I ordered a pour-over V60[2], and the balance of fruity acidity and sweetness in those Gayo beans was amazing[3]. You could tell it was the real deal from the first sip. My friend who was with me ordered the signature Kopi Susu Singkawang[4], and I had a taste. The milk was smooth, and the sweetness was just right—not a half-assed flavor at all.
The most amazing part is the social atmosphere here. People at the next table can just strike up a conversation with you while they're chatting. Turning from strangers to friends only takes the time to drink a cup of coffee[5]. This is what true Nongkrong is all about!
Let's Be Real (Here Come the Downsides)
But, to be fair, friends who want to come here to Chill need to be mentally prepared. First, the place is indeed not very big[6], and it gets super crowded at night, so finding a quiet corner to type away might be a bit difficult. Second, parking is very tight, especially for cars, there are only a few spots[7]. For friends driving here, I'd suggest coming during off-peak hours or just trying your luck.
My Tips for Your Visit
- What to Order: Coffee connoisseurs should go straight for the pour-over or Cold Brew[8]. Trust me, you can't go wrong. Newbies can try the Kopi Susu Singkawang[9]—it's a safe bet! Just order some french fries, the portion is surprisingly huge[10], and it's super great value for money.
- When to Go: If you want a quiet experience, come in the afternoon; it's suitable for freelancers to work[11]. If you want to experience the lively social vibe, come at night and be ready to chat with strangers.
- Hidden Perks: Moms with kids, take note! They actually have high chairs for babies[12]—so thoughtful! Muslim friends, don't worry either, there's a small prayer room on the second floor[13].
- Buying Beans: If you like the coffee, you can grab a bag of beans to take home. They have a solid relationship with regions like Aceh Gayo[14], so the quality of the beans is guaranteed. It's also a way to support local coffee farmers. Mantap! 👍
- This roadside spot is a buzzing livehouse at night, filled with coffee, laughter, and the real Indonesian `Nongkrong` vibe [1].
- Owner-roasted Indonesian beans. A V60 pour-over reveals the balanced fruity acidity of Gayo beans—a coffee lover's dream [2].
- Strangers become friends over coffee. This is the social `Nongkrong` vibe—the soul of a café [3].
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